The people of Taviya Village in Ovalau have reintroduced restrictions on fishing within their traditional village boundaries as part of their efforts to revive fish stock and protect marine resources for future generations.
Liuliu ni Yavusa, Neumi Tamani says that the decision comes after years of observing a decline in fish numbers due to over fishing and unsustainable practices.
Tamani says that the community recognizes the urgent need to protect their fishing grounds to ensure food security and sustain their way of life.
He also highlighted that this is not the first time such measures have been taken and between 1996 and 1998, the Ministry of iTaukei Affairs had enforced traditional practices of avoiding fishing, reminding communities of the importance of safeguarding marine life and those restrictions had led to noticeable improvements in fish stocks during that time.
The 75-year-old is urging every iTaukei communities to respect their boundaries and refrain from excessive harvesting.
